Goosegrass (
Eleusine indica), also called wiregrass, is an annual summer grass and
occasionally, a perennial. Goosegrass is
normally found in compacted areas or areas of heavy wear; it inhabits
agricultural land and other disturbed places, especially those that
receive some summer water, and grows close to the ground. Goosegrass is characterized by fibrous roots and very flattened sheaths
which have a silvery-green color, especially near the center of the
plant. It has finger-like seedheads bearing seeds with a zipper-like
appearance on the seed stalk. It is a
widespread and highly variable species that tolerates a broad range of
environmental conditions, but does not survive frost.
Crabgrasses are summer annual grasses that generally grow in patches.
They inhabit agricultural land and other disturbed sites. Large crabgrass,
Digitaria sanguinalis, is more often found in gardens or landscape areas and smooth crabgrass,
Digitaria ischaemum, is more often found in turf. Flowering and subsequent seed set take place from mid-summer to early
frost and are the means of perpetuating the species. Seed can be
produced at mowing heights as low as ¼ inch. Abundant quantities of seed
are produced. They vary in number depending on the general health and
vigor of the plants.
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| Courtesy of PennState College of Agricultural Sciences |
For color photographs of the life cycle of crabgrass and goosegrass, please use the link below and visit the University of California at Davis IPM site.
UC Davis IPM - Weed Gallery
